Sitting perched on a log, a young man with an otherworldly look gazed up at the auburn skies above, holding a scarlet, glowing fruit that oozed dormant power. His light white complexion seemed to complement his well-rounded and beautiful face. His eyes, despite being pupilless, had a fascination that captivated everybody who looked at them. His white, silvery hair was long and spiky, reaching the top of his back and covering the majority of his forehead. A pair of skin-like horns sprout from the base of his hair that covers his forehead, giving him an alien appearance.
His clothing consisted of a white kimono robe with an open torso that revealed a well-toned chest, white hakama pants with mitsudomoe emblems on the sides and along the collars of his kimono, and white, open-toed sandals.
This was Kuroshiki Otsutsuki, a relatively young clan member with a low current rank. The planet he was on was one of several in the universe that provided nourishment for the fruit in his palms.
He found this fruit by chance, and the next time he wants to quickly develop a God Tree, he will undoubtedly have to bring a sacrifice.
Although taking a sacrifice would be beneficial, there was no use in doing so if the sacrifice was not willing. Although rare, some Otsutsuki members may reject their mission and retaliate against the person who will receive the Chakra Fruit.
Kuroshiki simply does not want to go through such a fuss, so he travels across various realities in search of a planet with a Chakra Fruit ready for the taking. Shibai Otsutsuki, his ancestor, is said to have planted these fruits in the hope that more Otsutsuki would follow in his footsteps and become gods.
Achieving Godhood was the clan's will and mandate, and individuals who did not adhere to the philosophy were immediately dealt with or used as sacrifices for a God Tree.
Kuroshiki discovered a fascinating planet with a plethora of life, which aided the rapid evolution of this Chakra Fruit. Kuroshiki did notice a boost in his chakra from this fruit, which was exactly what he was hoping for. Eating these fruits was essential for the Otsutsuki's evolution, and while the residents were not worth assimilating into his DNA, their techniques were rather fascinating.
His eyes, particularly the one on his left, have recently begun to alter, and he may soon be able to develop an intrinsic skill unique to himself. Otsutsuki members usually develop them over time or from birth, which helps to determine their rank and status.
Unfortunately for Kuroshiki, he wasn't born lucky enough to have an innate skill, so he was likely to become a sacrifice in the future, but for now, his superiors allowed him a brief respite of freedom.
However, such independence required him to continue to strengthen himself in the hope that he would not be the one sacrificed. Although he was unaware of the majority of the clan's secrets, he knew there had to be a way to extend his life. No one, including the proud Otsutsuki clan, would willingly sacrifice themselves without a plan.
That was something to think about in the future, but for the time being, he needed the fruit to assimilate into his chakra network. It was during these moments that an Otsutsuki was vulnerable. Any attacks he tried now would fail, maybe killing him!
Kuroshiki was ready to lay down when an azure gateway opened several feet in front of him; his eyes widened as he realized it was the Yomotsu Hirasaka technique, a Kekkei Mora that practically all Otsutsuki could use!
"Kuroshiki Otsutsuki."
The voice, like a sweet song, had an authoritative undertone, prompting the young Otsutsuki to get up from the log and bow on one knee. A woman of ethereal beauty went through the portal, her body wrapped by an illustrious white robe adorned with magatama beads around the hues and sleeves. Kuroshiki saw her face as the pinnacle of beauty, smooth and flawless.
Her eyes were pupilless, as were all Otsutsuki's, but what set her apart was the third eye on her forehead, which revealed itself to be orange with multiple waves within it. Kuroshiki realized this was the Rinnegan.
Her pale, white hair was short, reaching the base of her neck, and she had a single horn that coiled around her head like a tiara.
"Lady Gozen," Kuroshiki responded briefly and respectfully.
Now known as Gozen, the ethereal lady looked around for a moment as if scrutinizing Kuroshiki's art. With an appreciative hum, she returned her gaze to him.
"I can tell the planet has been dealt with. You did well."
"The inhabitants were less than pleased with my appearance in their world, so I've done what needed to be done."
"And were they worth adding to our database?"
Kuroshiki shakes his head. "Their skills were amazing, yet they were just mediocre in comparison to our clan's arsenal. I, on the other hand, have a corpse with me to send back to our home for further research."
Gozen hummed. "I see. That's disappointing, but every lifeform, no matter how fragile, is worth researching."
Gozen continued. "I'll notify the council to discuss whether you're ready to go up the ranks. You've grown quickly, something that has not been seen in the clan in a long time, with the exception of Isshiki."
Kuroshiki snorted. He has heard about Isshiki, who is his senior. Isshiki was a humble Otsutsuki who refused to let pride and hubris cloud his judgment; in some ways, Kuroshiki was similar, but in terms of a position of power, Kuroshiki would have to wait another century or two, if not more.
"Thank you, Lady Gozen."
"Don't thank me yet, just carry on the clan's will, and thank me after you transcend to godhood."
"You seem...to have faith in me."
Gozen chuckled. "Is that wrong? You're my disciple, and your growth benefits me as well. And I'd rather be the one who trains a god than become one."
"I do not understand, Lady Gozen. You awakened your Rinnegan at an early age, and you're one of the few who have done so. Not only that, but you've learned innumerable techniques. You can undoubtedly achieve Godhood if you put up the effort."
Kuroshiki didn't understand Gozen's reasoning; also, if Gozen ordered it, Kuroshiki would have to sacrifice himself to become a God Fruit for her, but she appeared satisfied with him obtaining more power.
She was an enigma.
"That is true, I could...but that would be the end of my journey."
"The end?"
"That's correct. What happens after we become Gods like our ancestor Shibai? What happens after trial and error? I don't wish to achieve Godhood because I want to keep on studying from an outside perspective. That is why I push you as much as I do because, as a researcher, I must not seek such things as Godhood or perfection but knowledge."
Her argument was almost absurd, but a part of Kuroshiki knew what she meant. What happens after becoming a God?
"Then...I will do my best, Lady Gozen. When I become a God, I ask that you continue giving me tasks to complete."
Gozen's narrow lips smirked. "Naturally, even if you become a God, I will still be your teacher. Anyway, that's one reason I'm here."
"Another mission?"
Gozen nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, Momoshiki and Kinshiki are busy in another world, but a disturbance has happened with Isshiki and Kaguya, you're to head to the designated world and report your findings."
Kuroshiki nodded. "I understand...is there anything else?"
"There is, my Rinnegan tells me that you'll be there a long time, and you may even die, but whatever you do, you must continue evolving."
Kuroshiki frowned at the vague words. It would seem that this mission was going to be given to Momoshiki and Kinshiki, two higher-ranked Otsutsuki, with Kinshiki being regarded as a wise elder of the clan and Momoshiki being a rather pompous individual, but his strength backed up his attitude.
"I will…carry on the will of the clan!"
AN: Okay, I promise I won't delete this one, I genuinely believe I can cook with this story. I'm taking the opportunity to do my own thing on the Otsutsuki Clan and whatnot. Kuroshiki is meant to be Gozen's sacrifice, but if you haven't noticed, she's more of an observer/researcher than an active participator in trying to achieve Godhood.
I pretty much got Kuroshiki's exclusive Dojutsu abilities done, but I'm open to suggestions anyway, as they're still subject to change. Whether Kuroshiki is considered OP already and whatnot...perhaps, but I'll make it bearable, hopefully.
Will this turn into a harem? Hopefully not, I only plan for Kaguya and Mei to be in the pairing. As I continue, I will see how I feel.
I think that's it, so feel free to let me know your thoughts, I'll most likely start during the beginning of the Third Great Shinobi War or something.